Jimmy's Phone And Gadget Repairs

Jimmy's Phone And Gadget Repairs A local one stop shop for the repairs of cell phones, gadgets and PC equipment.

18/10/2022

Double trouble for WhatsApp! Two urgent warnings issued to Android and iPhone users
WhatsApp users have two fresh alerts to watch out for with some devices being blocked from sending messages and a fake version of the popular messaging app trying to steal personal details.

WhatsApp warnings have been issued to iPhone and Android users

Millions of iPhone and Android users need to be aware of two new WhatsApp warnings that could leave devices unable to send messages or hand highly personal data over to hackers. The first alert affects anyone with an Android device in their pocket with cyber criminals targeting these phones via an unofficial version of WhatsApp. As spotted by the security team at Kasperky, an app called YoWahtsApp comes laced with a nasty malware called Triada.

Once installed, this bug allows hackers to take complete control of an account with criminals then able to send malicious money-stealing messages to friends and contacts.

Modified versions of WhatsApp remain hugely popular as they often claim to offer bonus features that can't be found on the official version of WhatsApp.

Android users are always the biggest target of these apps as they can be sideloaded onto devices without a trip to the Google Play store. Adding apps to an iPhone is impossible without Apple vetting them first which is why these types of scams only target Android.

Explaining more about the threat, Kaspersky said: "Cybercriminals are increasingly using the power of legitimate software to distribute malicious apps. This means that users who choose popular apps and official installation sources, may still fall victim to them. In particular, malware like Triada can steal an IM account, and for example, use it to send unsolicited messages, including malicious spam. The user’s money is also at risk, as the malware can easily set up paid subscriptions for the victim."

So that's the first warning which targets Android users but there's also an upcoming change that will affect some iPhone owners.

It was revealed back in May that the Meta-owned platform was dropping support for any iPhones that can't run Apple's iOS 12 operating system or later.

Although almost all new Apple smartphones will have no issues using this latest OS it is bad news for anyone with an iPhone 5 or colourful iPhone 5c in their pocket.

These ageing devices are no longer compatible with newer software and, from later this week, anyone owning one will find WhatsApp no longer works.

It appears that those with incompatible devices are already receiving alerts which say, "Update to the latest version of iOS to continue using WhatsApp. WhatsApp will stop supporting this version of iOS after 24 Oct 2022."

Along with this pop-up window on iPhones, WhatsApp has also updated its support page which now states, "Currently, we provide support for and recommend using the following devices: Android running OS 4.1 and newer, iPhone running iOS 12 and newer."

If your device can't switch to iOS 12 you'll need to buy something new to continue using WhatsApp

By DAVID SNELLING
07:16, Tue, Oct 18, 2022 | UPDATED: 07:42, Tue, Oct 18, 2022

27/09/2022

Apple issues NEW iPhone alert – all users should check their phones right now

APPLE has issued a brand new iPhone alert for users to install a surprise update.

The company pushed a new version of iOS overnight – check your iPhone right now to see it.

Check your iPhone and update it as soon as possible

It's the latest update to iOS 16, a major software update launched earlier this month.

iOS 16 added loads of new features, including customisable Lock Screens.

Now Apple has issued a second "fix" update for iOS 16: iOS 16.0.2.

It fixes a host of bugs plaguing iPhone users – including a camera problem – so it's worth installing right away.

To check for the new update, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

What's new in iOS 16.0.2?
Here are Apple's official patch notes for iOS 16.0.2:

Camera may vibrate and cause blurry photos when shooting with some third-party apps on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
Display may appear completely black during device setup
Copy and paste between apps may cause a permission prompt to appear more than expected
VoiceOver may be unavailable after rebooting
Addresses an issue where touch input was unresponsive on some iPhone X, iPhone XR, and iPhone 11 displays after being serviced

Here's a list of all the iOS 16 supported devices:

iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone Xs
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

Sean Keach, Technology and Science Editor

Urgent Android warning issued as terrifying bug is back! Delete these apps now.......Mister Phone Cleaner and Kylhavy Mo...
11/09/2022

Urgent Android warning issued as terrifying bug is back!

Delete these apps now.......Mister Phone Cleaner and Kylhavy Mobile Security

THE sinister SharkBot malware has made a return to the Google Play Store and it could give hackers full access to your bank account.

SharkBot is back and as dangerous as ever. This incredibly malicious malware, which is fully capable of stealing login and banking credentials, has made an unwelcomed return to the Google Play Store with thousands already thought to be at risk from attack.

Cyber criminals have used a sneaky tactic to get around Google's robust security as the apps in question only become infected with SharkBot after they've been downloaded onto a device.

Once installed, this bug can siphon money out of bank accounts and overlay fake login pages when it detects a user is trying to access online services allowing hackers to steal user names and passwords. SharkBot last made an appearance back in March and now two applications are once again using it to attack Android fans.

As discovered by the team at Fox-IT, apps called Mister Phone Cleaner and Kylhavy Mobile Security have both been found to be infected with the malware.

Google has since banned these apps but anyone who has already downloaded them needs to act fast if they don't want to become the next victim of cyber crime.

Speaking about the attack, Fox-IT's Alberto Segura said: "This new version asks the victim to install the malware as a fake update for the antivirus to stay protected against threats. We have found two SharkbotDopper apps active in Google Play Store, with 10K and 50K installs each of them.

"On the 22nd of August 2022, Fox-IT’s Threat Intelligence team found a new Sharkbot sample with version 2.25; communicating with command-and-control servers mentioned previously. This Sharkbot version introduced a new feature to steal session cookies from the victims that logs into their bank account."

If you think you may have downloaded these apps then make sure you delete them without delay and check any permissions you may have granted it.

It's also worth checking your bank account for any strange transactions.

By DAVID SNELLING
07:31, Tue, Sep 6, 2022 | UPDATED: 08:01, Tue, Sep 6, 2022

Apple leak reveals stunning iPhone 14 with shimmering purple finish that is shown when held at certain angles - as fans ...
29/08/2022

Apple leak reveals stunning iPhone 14 with shimmering purple finish that is shown when held at certain angles - as fans await launch of 'NZ$2,500' device
The new Apple iPhone 14 will have the option to come in purple with the item 'shimmering' and changing its tone depending on the angle it is viewed
A preview of the new metallic purple casing of the phone was leaked online
Apple's next product event has been confirmed for September 7 where the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Series 8
Rumors suggest the new iPhone will have a bigger camera, notch-free display
However, it will cost 15 percent more than its predecessor 'due to inflation'

More leaks have emerged of the new Apple iPhone 14, due to be launched towards the middle of next month.

Although users can expect an improved camera, perhaps most eye-catching of all might be the new range of colors which include a shimmering purple whose tone appears to change depending on the angle being viewed.

Apple has already tried using varying colors on its Midnight iPhone 13 and M2 chip MacBook Air models, but this appears to be far more striking.

A preview of the new metallic purple casing of the phone was shared by Apple leaker DuanRui on Twitter.

The new Apple iPhone 14 will have the option to come in purple with the item 'shimmering' and changing its tone depending on the angle it is viewed

A preview of the new metallic purple casing of the phone was leaked online

The color of the purple casing appears to change depending on the angle of the light

Various other color options the forthcoming iPhone 14 are said to include navy blue, gold, graphite and silver.

It would be the first time blue has been an option for the phone with similarly shimmering quality and would replace pink for the standard iPhone 13 and Sierra Blue for the iPhone 13 Pro.

Other features will include a bigger camera, a notch-free screen, and an always-on display that will show a small amount of 'quickly glanceable' information before it is unlocked.

Apple has announced it will hold an event at its headquarters in California on September 7 with pre-orders for the iPhone 14 range expected to start on September 9 reports Forbes, with the blue and purple iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max likely to sell out first.

Some have rumored the iPhone 14 will offer direct satellite communication - a feature that was floated back in 2021. This would allow users to call for emergency help in places with no cellular service.

19/08/2022

How to protect yourself from the Apple security flaw affecting iPhones, iPads and Macs - after experts warn hackers could track your location, read your messages, view your contacts and even access your microphone and camera

To upate your device either connect to iTunes and click update or goto Settings>General> Software Update on tour Apple device

Apple has warned of a serious security risk for the company’s iPhones, iPad and iMacs that could allow attackers to take complete control of the devices.

The tech company acknowledged the issue in new security reports and admitted that it was “aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.”

Security experts say that users should update all affected Apple devices, according to the Associated Press.

These include the iPhones6S and later models; several models of the iPad, including the 5th generation and later, all iPad Pro models and the iPad Air 2; and Mac computers running MacOS Monterey.

The issue also affects some iPod models.

Apple, which did not disclose any additional details about the attacks or who may have carried them out, says that its newest update provides “important security updates and is recommended for all users.”

The company’s iOS 15.6.1 update comes just weeks after the release of iOS 15.6.

The bugs were reported by anonymous researchers, according to bleepingcomputer.com.

“Apple iOS 15.6.1 is an important update,” independent security researcher Sean Wright told Forbes as he said that the vulnerabilities highlighted by Apple “could be chained together to allow attackers to remotely gain full access to victims’ devices.”


Independent 19 Aug 22

04/07/2022

At last I have the net connected at the new place. Finally up and running again, back to normal.

26/06/2022

I have moved to a new address so I might one a bit disorganised for a few days

Your Facebook’s HIDDEN ‘rejection folder’ is filled with people who ignored youYOU might have some haters lurking on you...
23/06/2022

Your Facebook’s HIDDEN ‘rejection folder’ is filled with people who ignored you

YOU might have some haters lurking on your Facebook – but you need to know where you look.

Facebook holds a hidden rejection folder filled with people that have completely ignored you.

Facebook has a hidden folder you need to check out right now

You might never have seen it, but it's worth checking.

It holds all of the snubbed Facebook friend requests that you've seen.

You've probably sent a load over the years – and then quickly forgotten about them.

Maybe the person just doesn't use Facebook much.

But it's also possible that they've brutally rejected you – for reasons only they may know.

Thankfully you can view and cancel your long-shunned friend requests to reclaim some dignity.

Or you can let it linger, as a nagging reminder to your new "frenemy" that you're still open to friendship.

In any case, you should check the app folder right now.

The first is on mobile – so that's your smartphone app.

Open up Facebook and then tap on the Menu, which looks like three lines stacked on top of each other- called the hamburger icon.

You'll see a list of options – choose Friends.

From there you'll be able to see your pending friend requests – which are ones you haven't answered yet – as well as Suggested Friends.

Now tap See All in the top-right, which will show all of your pending friend requests.

Then in the top-right, just to the left of the Search icon, are three dots.

Tap those and you'll get a pop-up that says View Sent Requests.

This will show all of the friend requests that you've sent but that haven't been answered.

The second way to do it is on desktop – that's your laptop, desktop PC or Mac.

Then navigate to facebook.com/friends/requests.

That will show your pending friend requests.

But if you click View Sent Requests in the top left, you'll be taken to all the requests you've sent – but that have been ignored.

USB-C chargers will be mandatory for all phones and other handheld electronic devices – in a major blow to AppleApple wi...
08/06/2022

USB-C chargers will be mandatory for all phones and other handheld electronic devices – in a major blow to Apple

Apple will have to change the connector on iPhones by 2024, following new rules created by the European Union (EU).

The rule, announced at a press conference in Strasbourg on Tuesday, mean Apple will have to change the charging port on its iPhones in all 27 EU countries.

Currently, iPhones use Apple's proprietary power connector technology 'Lightning', while Android-based devices use USB-C connectors.

The EU wants a uniform charging cord for smartphones and other devices to reduce electronic waste, but Apple argues this would limit innovation and hurt consumers.

The union estimates that discarded or unused chargers account for 11,000 metric tons of e-waste in Europe every year.

Buyers in EU countries will also be able to choose whether to purchase new devices with or without a charging device, as part of new EU regulations.

The new USB-C rule, which will take effect by autumn 2024, was originally announced last September, but came more than a decade after the European Parliament first pushed for it.

It will mean EU consumers will be able to use a common USB Type-C cable for all small and medium-sized rechargeable, portable electronic devices.

Devices covered include mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld video game consoles and portable speakers.

Laptops also are covered, but manufacturers will have extra time to comply.

Ultimately, it should make life easier for consumers fed up with rummaging through a tangle of cables for the right one.

How to track phones with Google Maps – including trick to find a HIDDEN handsetTHERE are a number of ways to protect you...
11/05/2022

How to track phones with Google Maps – including trick to find a HIDDEN handset

THERE are a number of ways to protect your Android device from thieves, but the most obvious is right under your nose.

Google operates a FREE app that lets you track gadgets in real-time if they are lost or stolen.

Find My Device helps you locate your Android gizmo and lock out thieves

What is Find My Device?
Called Find My Device, the tool uses GPS signals and more to mark the location of your gadgets with a pin dropped on Google Maps.

You can also use it to play an alarm from your gizmo and to wipe its memory if it's fallen into the wrong hands.

You can manage multiple devices using the platform, including smartphones, tablets and more.

"Find My Device helps you locate your lost Android and lock it until you get it back," Google says.

"See your phone, tablet or watch on a map. If current location isn't available, you'll see the last known location."

Apple offers a similar service called Find My for iPhones, iPads, AirPods, Macs and more.

That doesn't work with devices that run Android, however, such as smartphones and tablets built by Samsung or Google.

How to use Find My Device
To use Find My Device, you'll need to sign in to your Google account on a desktop, laptop, tablet or another phone.

Next, open up Google's Find My Device at www.android.com/find.

You'll be presented with a map that can show the locations of any devices on which you're signed in to your Google account.

To cycle through devices, tap or click the icons at the top left of the display. Their whereabouts are shown with a green pin.

On the left, you have the option to play a sound or erase all content from the device.

If you pick to sound an alarm, the gadget will ring for five minutes, even if it's set to silent.

It's a handy tool if you know the contraption is located in a room but you're not sure where.

Address

49 Richmond Street, Waitara
New Plymouth
4320

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jimmy's Phone And Gadget Repairs posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Jimmy's Phone And Gadget Repairs:

Share